08/22/08 Grower leaders brought up to speed on spud promotion

Farm and Ranch August 22, 2008 The US Potato Board recently held its Summer Administrative Committee meeting in Pasco, where grower board members heard highlights of Fiscal Year 2008 accomplishments. Bart Connors of Skone and Connors of Wapato, Washington, who is chairman of the Potato Board, says growers asked lots of good questions at the meeting and learned what has worked well, and what not so well. Connors: "One of the best programs we have had the last couple of years is our international program. We have really seen some dramatic export numbers, especially coming out of the processing industry. Fry sales are up significantly going offshore. In fact I think the United States passed a billion dollars in exports on potato products for the first time ever this past marketing season." Connors says there have been domestic promotion successes but more work has to be done particularly in developing new products. Connors: "That kind of fit with consumer"s expectations today when they are shopping. Something that is quick and easy and something that fits into a little faster paced lifestyle." Connors says next month there will be print advertising with the new nutrition campaign's signature "Potatoes& Goodness Unearthed." That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.